2020 Toyota Tacoma Aims to Maintain Midsize Sales Crown

The Toyota Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck for several years, but that sales crown has come under fire in recent years with the rollout of new competitors. Toyota is taking no chances in potentially losing sales ground and has given the 2020 Tacoma a few updates in response.

The most notable difference is a refreshed appearance. Let’s be clear, this is a very mild refresh, but perhaps enough to keep things interesting. The front clip has been revised with a new, larger grille and LED headlights. Around back Toyota has swapped out the taillights with new ones that feature a grey bezel to match some of the new wheel designs. The new look keeps the Tacoma in line with the brand’s current design theme, found on the 2019 RAV4.

Inside, Toyota is giving buyers the new option of 10-way power seats and a new infotainment system. The infotainment system is enabling support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the first time in Tacoma.

Speaking of features, Toyota is making all active safety features standard on the 2020 Tacoma. This list includes things like collision alert, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and pedestrian detection.

Rounding out the changes will be a new TRD Pro model, which will feature a new surround-view camera system to aid in off-roading.

2020 Tacoma buyers will have two engine options, starting with a 2.7-liter inline-four with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Those wanting more power can opt for Toyota’s 3.5-liter V-6, which offers 278 horsepower and 256 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic, while V-6 buyers can still opt for a six-speed manual gearbox.

The V-6 model has also been fitted with a new cooling system and Class IV hitch to enable a maximum trailer rating of 6,800 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma will go on sale later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

About Nick Saporito

AutoVerdict Senior Editor Nick Saporito began writing about cars at age 13. Nick ran a couple of automotive enthusiast sites for several years, before taking some time off to focus on his career and education. By day he's a marketing executive in the telecom world and by night he hangs out here at AV. You'll find him focusing on tech, design and the industry's future.